Director, Disability Services - Texas State University, San Marcos, TX
Posted: Tuesday, January 8, 2019
With a student population of over 38,000, Texas State University is an Emerging Research and Hispanic-Serving University located in the burgeoning Austin-San Antonio corridor. Founded in 1899 and currently the 16th largest public institution in the United States in terms of undergraduate enrollment, Texas State enrolls students from all 50 states, the District of Columbia, and 66 countries. Students choose from 98 undergraduate, 90 master's, and 12 doctoral programs offered by ten colleges (Applied Arts, ¬the Emmett and Miriam McCoy College of Business Administration, Education, Fine Arts and Communication, Health Professions, Honors, Liberal Arts, Science and Engineering, th¬e Graduate College, and the University College). With a diverse campus community, including just over 50 percent of the student body from ethnic minorities, Texas State is one of the top 14 producers of Hispanic baccalaureate graduates in the nation. Ideally situated on almost 600 acres across two campuses (San Marcos and Round Rock), Texas State is in the midst of the largest construction program in its history, experiencing an exciting period of growth with approximately $545 million in new construction, renovation, and expansion. The main campus in San Marcos boasts 220 buildings, including 24 campus residence halls and apartments.
Ranked as one of the fastest growing small cities in the U.S. in three of the past five years by the U.S. Census Bureau and listed in Forbes' 2018 Best Places to Retire, San Marcos combines small-town charm with big-time energy. Located along the crystal-clear San Marcos River roughly halfway between Austin and San Antonio and on the edge of the famous Texas Hill Country, San Marcos offers its 63,000+ residents the best of everything. With the area being widely known for hiking trails, spectacular views, fields of wildflowers, world-class gourmet dining, and a rich cultural history, it's no wonder the Texas State students call it "San Marvelous!"
Reporting to the assistant vice president of student affairs/director, student diversity and inclusion and serving as a member of the student affairs leadership team, the director, disability services is responsible for operations of the office of disability services which coordinates accommodations and support services for enrolled students with disabilities at the university. The director provides the leadership and vision for the office of disability services through the development of programs, policies, and processes that provide timely and effective services for students with disabilities. In addition, this position is responsible for identifying and establishing program goals; making additions and changes to the strategic plan; compiling reports on program activities and services; developing program policies; and recommending university policies and procedures for incorporation in the university policy statements. Further, the director responds to requests for general and program information from enrolled students and potential students and their family members as well as requests or interpretation of legal mandates on campus issues related to ADA and interpreting federal law and court rulings affecting services for students with disabilities. The director provides consultation for faculty regarding instructional needs and reasonable accommodations and other campus departments regarding the needs of students with disabilities. With oversight of a $1.37 million budget and a passionate staff of 13, the director is responsible for developing and monitoring the budget as well hiring, training, supervising and evaluating all staff. The director also presents information on program services and coordinates programming activities to increase awareness of the needs and abilities of students with disabilities as well as works to collaboratively monitor the university's self-evaluation plan for progress towards ADA compliance.
The successful candidate will have a bachelor's degree and a minimum of five years of work experience in disability services or related field. A master's degree in counseling, education, student personnel, psychology, sociology, or related degree is preferred. The candidate must have demonstrated experience with the supervision of professional and support staff, fiscal management including budget development and oversight, strategic planning and program development. A strong familiarity with applicable state and federal laws and regulations pertaining to disabilities including the American with Disabilities Act (ADA), and the application of this act to the university setting as well as knowledge of testing, interpreting, accommodation services/programs and assistive technology, and a broad spectrum of disability services experience are required. In addition, the successful candidate will be an effective communicator including public speaking and presenting skills, and possess the ability to gather, analyze, and interpret data to make informed management decisions.
Additional preferred qualifications include progressive administrative/leadership advancement; bi-lingual (Spanish) skills; experience coordinating with or responding to the Office of Civil Rights; and a minimum of three years of experience working directly with students with disabilities.
Review of applications will begin January 16, 2019 and continue until the position is filled. A resume with an accompanying cover letter may be submitted via the Spelman Johnson website at www.spelmanjohnson.com/open-positions. Nominations for this position may be emailed to Heather J. Larabee at [email protected]. Applicants needing reasonable accommodation to participate in the application process should contact Spelman Johnson at 413-529-2895.
Visit the Texas State University website at www.txstate.edu
Texas State is committed to increasing the number of women and minorities in administrative and professional positions. Texas State University is a member of the Texas State University System. Texas State University is an Equal Opportunity Employer.